Alerts
Park visitors using the shuttle service in the Giant Forest/NPS Photo Planning a trip to the parks? No entry reservation is required. Check here for current information on roads, facilities, conditions from the field, with links to more in-depth information.
A prescribed burn in the Giant Forest sequoia grove that began June 9 has concluded. Smoke and active fire may linger in the area for couple weeks. Some trail closures remain in effect. To learn more about the beneficial effects of this prescribed fire, please read the news release issued at the end of the project. For information about prescribed fire and its benefits to sequoia groves, visit these pages: Most park roads are now open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Current Closures
Summer 2022 Construction ProjectsThis summer, two construction projects are underway to improve park roads and utilities. One project is being conducted mid-summer in Sequoia National Park, and the other is currently ongoing in the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon. Learn more on the Sequoia Road Construction page. Please check weather forecasts during your visit, as weather can change unexpectedly, and differs greatly by elevation. For detailed weather conditions, please see forecasts by area. Air QualityAs temperatures begin to rise during summer months, air quality in the parks is impacted by increased concentrations of ozone, an invisible pollutant. We also may experience an increase in high particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which is largely derived from local or regional wildfire smoke. Unlike ozone, particulate matter pollution will impact visibility and can alter the visual landscape. Before you visit, learn more about air quality here and access a link to local forecasts. A prescribed burn in the Giant Forest sequoia grove that began June 9 has concluded. Smoke and active fire may linger in the area for couple weeks. Some trail closures remain in effect. All or portions of the following Giant Forest trails will be closed until further notice: Rimrock, Alta, Hazelwood Cutoff, Washington Tree, Huckleberry, Dead Giant, Tharps Log Cutoff, Crescent Meadow, Log Meadow, Trail of the Sequoias, Wolverton Cutoff, Circle Meadow. Please see park staff for detailed information on the trail closures. Roads:
Museum: Giant Forest Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Trails:
All roads in the Grant Grove area are currently open, with the exception of the Redwood Canyon Mountain Road. Trails and roads in the Redwood Canyon area were damaged in the KNP Complex Fire and will not reopen until conditions are safe. Services:
Trails: Most trails are open. Trails in the Redwood Canyon area were damaged in the KNP Complex Fire and will not reopen until conditions are safe. Some smoking trees are visible in this area. Consider a hike to Roaring River Falls (a 0.3 miles one way) or Zumwalt Meadow (just under a mile to first view of the meadow and back). Other attractions include Grizzly Falls and Junction View Overlook, both located along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180).
Services:
Trails: The Foothills area of the park offers excellent hiking opportunities, Marble Falls Trail and Paradise Creek Trail are now open. At lower elevations, hikers may encounter high temperatures, often above 100° F (38°C), during the summer and early fall months. Please carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and light-colored clothing to protect you from the sun, which is especially strong at higher altitudes. Ride the Sequoia Shuttle!Avoid traffic congestion and soaring gas costs by riding the Sequoia Shuttle. For only $20 you get round-trip transportation to and from Sequoia National Park from Visalia, California. This fare includes your park entrance fee. To reserve, call (877) 287-4453. Alternatively, drive into Sequoia National Park and park at one of the many Giant Forest/Lodgepole area parking lots, and ride the FREE local shuttle throughout the area. For more information, please visit the Park Shuttles web page. COVID-19 SafetyMasks are currently optional in NPS buildings and on public transportation. The NPS has updated its masking guidance based on the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels tool, which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take. We urge you to follow National Park Service guidance and CDC guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. For the health and safety of others, please choose another time to visit a park if:
Recent Wildfire ActivityIn Septermber of 2021, the lightning-caused KNP Complex Fire burned through a significant portion of the park. You will see evidence of recent wildfire along the Generals Highway and on trails. Check our tips for safety in burned areas if you plan to hike in an area affected by fire. With some areas of the parks still closed as a result of the fire, expect open areas to be crowded with limited parking. Our closure map shows general areas (in yellow) and roads and trails (in red) that are closed. Traffic CongestionDuring weekends and holidays, our entrance stations become congested, especially at the Sequoia National Park entrance near Three Rivers, California. Check out these tips to avoid congestion or the inconveniences it may cause. We always recommend that you buy your entrance pass online before you arrive. WiFi and Cellular ServiceWiFi is available at Kings Canyon and Foothills visitor centers. However, if you use the NPS Mobile app, please try to download the app and data before you arrive. Cell phone service may be available in the Grant Grove developed area for Verizon customers, and outside the Foothills Visitor Center for AT&T customers. However, cellular service is not reliable at these locations. Information on Neighboring Public LandsTraveling to Yosemite National Park? Reservations required beginning May 20, 2022. Day Hiking No permits are needed for day hiking. Some trails are closed due to impacts from the KNP Complex Fire. Wilderness Permits during the Quota Season May 27, 2022 - September 17, 2022 Wilderness permit reservations are available on Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of your trip, and are released daily at 7:00 AM Pacific Standard Time. Wilderness Permits and Overnight Backpacking, Outside of Quota Season September 18, 2022 - May 25, 2023 Self-issue wilderness permits are available for overnight backpacking at Foothills and Kings Canyon visitor centers and at Giant Forest Museum. Fire Restrictions Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect. Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited at South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat campgrounds. No smoking outside of vehicles. For more details, see the Fire Restrictions page.
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Last updated: June 17, 2022